One of the great things about being a grandparent (possibly a parent but you are sometimes too busy to notice) is the level of excitement that a child can get from something that, to us, appears ordinary.
My grandson showed an interest in the Moon and planets and my daughter asked me if I still had my telescope. Unfortunately it broke so I gave it to a charity who said they could repair it and use it. Great as I couldn't get an answer from the manufacturers or distributors! So I said it was broken but I'd happily buy him one. It duly arrived and he was so excited by it and it has really sparked his curiosity and got him interested even more. When you see his obvious joy and enthusiasm you get to remember what it used to be like to see things for the first time, experience things and be in awe of what's around you.
I thought as he liked that I would get him one of these planetarium projectors which has gone down a storm too. It's meant to be a calming thing but he's buzzing seeing the planets and the moon right up there on his ceiling. There are a number of different slides and so I am pleased that he likes that too. So, my other grandson will be getting a telescope and projector too.
We quickly forget what it is like to be amazed at things, to be enthralled with a view of an animal, a fossil, the night sky, trains (who doesn't like a train trip) and so on. So much so that we as adults do not find the joy in these things. Seeing my grandchildren and watching their reactions is precious and a blessing and it reminds me to try to get the joy out of life once again, the spirit of being alive and observing and enjoying it. Recently working in the garden I can see why people enjoy that - I'm not a great gardener but I can get the attraction.
It's difficult to be conscious and in the present moment though as we become jaded through our life's journey I feel. It's remembering to enjoy these things and the joy of a child is just the tonic to do that.
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